August Video Update

Dear Pastors and Friends,

Having just returned from Ukraine, we bring you warm greetings from many believers who are sincerely grateful for your prayers and support during this difficult time in Ukraine. Our camps in Ukraine are in full swing now, with many more campers than expected. In some places, they have double the amount of youth they expected. While this is a challenge, our folks are greatly blessed that it is now evident that the decision to go ahead with camps despite the war was a good one that will have eternal results for the glory of God.

This month's video update comes from one of these camps, where the church in Zdolbuniv obtained a property outside the city for a campground two years ago. They have steadfastly transformed this property into a functioning campground, something BIEM was glad to help them with. This summer was the first time they were able to use the location for camps. This month's video update features children & youth worker Pasha Usach sharing the blessings taking place. One of the most exciting developments is that a group of nearby residents has begun to regularly attend services each Sunday on the campground. Brother Pasha and the other believers are excited about the potential of a new church being established.

https://vimeo.com/738697218

In Christ,

Sam & Amy Slobodian

July Video Update

Watch this video on Vimeo by either clicking on the following link or by copying and pasting it into your browser:

https://vimeo.com/727908170

Dear Pastors and Friends,

Warm greetings in Christ! This month's video update comes from the many we have posted on our website. You can view these by clicking on the "View Video Updates" section on our home page.

In case you do not already know, we have added a new email update called Ukrainian War Relief Updates. This will keep you updated on events in Ukraine and informed on how to pray. Thank you for your continued support and prayers as we lift up our brothers and sisters in Ukraine.

You can subscribe to this new mailing by clicking on the following link: https://www.baptistinternational.org/urgent-war-updates-sign-up

In Christ,

Sam & Amy Slobodian

June Video Update

Watch this video on Vimeo by either clicking on the following link or by copying and pasting it in your browser:

https://vimeo.com/717531414

Dear Pastors and Friends,

Warm greetings in Christ! This month's video update comes from the many we have posted on our website. You can view these by clicking on the "View Video Updates" section on our home page.

In case you do not already know, we have added a new email update called Ukrainian War Relief Updates. This will keep you updated on events in Ukraine and informed on how to pray. Thank you for your continued support and prayers as we lift up our brothers and sisters in Ukraine.

You can subscribe to this new mailing by clicking on the following link: https://www.baptistinternational.org/urgent-war-updates-sign-up

In Christ,

Sam & Amy Slobodian

May Video Update

Watch this video on Vimeo by either clicking on the following link or by copying and pasting it in your browser:

https://vimeo.com/705504223

Dear Pastors and Friends,

Warm greetings in Christ! This month's video update comes from the many we have posted on our website. You can view these by clicking on the "View Video Updates" section on our home page.

In case you do not already know, we have added a new email update called Ukrainian War Relief Updates. This will keep you updated on events in Ukraine and informed on how to pray. Thank you for your continued support and prayers as we lift up our brothers and sisters in Ukraine.

You can subscribe to this new mailing by clicking on the following link: https://www.baptistinternational.org/urgent-war-updates-sign-up

In Christ,

Sam & Amy Slobodian

April Video Update

Watch this video on Vimeo by either clicking on the following link or by copying and pasting it in your browser:

https://vimeo.com/695815490

Dear Pastors and Friends,

Warm greetings in Christ! This month's video update comes from the many we have posted on our website. You can view these by clicking on the "View Video Updates" section on our home page.

In case you do not already know, we have added a new email update called Ukrainian War Relief Updates. This will keep you updated on events in Ukraine and informed on how to pray. Thank you for your continued support and prayers as we lift up our brothers and sisters in Ukraine.

You can subscribe to this new mailing by clicking on the following link: https://www.baptistinternational.org/urgent-war-updates-sign-up

In Christ,

Sam & Amy Slobodian

March Video Update

Watch this video on Vimeo by either clicking on the following link or by copying and pasting it in your browser:

https://vimeo.com/686472802

Dear Pastors and Friends,

Hello from the Slobodians! This month's video update is different from our typical monthly updates which usually feature our national missionaries reporting on recent events in their ministries. We have been posting many such video updates on our website. You can watch these by clicking on the "View Video Updates" section on our home page.

Instead, this month's video update is specially designed for you to share with others. It is a 1-minute video that tells how people can help BIEM's war relief efforts along with a very brief introduction to BIEM. In all of BIEM’s history, we have never faced a crisis so enormous. The needs are overwhelming. Please share this video with as many people as you can.

In Christ,

Sam & Amy Slobodian

February Video Update

Watch this video on Vimeo by either clicking on the following link or by copying and pasting it in your browser:

https://vimeo.com/674585167

Dear Pastors and Friends, 

Greetings everyone!  Currently, Ukraine is in the news and not in a good way.  You have probably seen the images of the Russian armies gathering at the borders.  We are deeply concerned for that nation and especially for our people there.  We have had many conversations with many of them and they are calm and firmly trusting in the Lord.

 This month's video features Eugene Buyko and Vitaly Yurchenko mentioning specific items to pray for regarding the present dangerous and serious situation.  Our February prayer and praise sheet called the BIEM's of Light also contains a list of what to pray for regarding Ukraine.  

 Following Eugene and Vitaly there is a song that is a prayer for Ukraine.  The song is sung by Eugene's daughters Solomia, Angelica, and Ivanka (from left to right). During the song, you will see pictures of our Ukrainian families that need your prayers.

In Christ, 

Sam & Amy Slobodian

January Video Update

Watch this video on Vimeo by either clicking on the following link or by copying and pasting it in your browser:

https://vimeo.com/666910757

Dear Pastors and Friends, 

Greetings again from the Slobodians.  This month's video comes from Russia at a Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Center about 2 hours from Moscow.   In this video Oleg, one of the directors, shares about this ministry that currently has 14 men in the program.

This Center started as a ministry of one of the first BIEM church plants, a church planted on the outskirts of Moscow by Pavel Rumachik.   It has reached many men for Christ, several of whom have gone on to start other Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Centers including two specifically for women.  Today, there are over 60 families who are members of Moscow area churches that have been reached through these centers.  Praise God for the power of the Gospel that redeems and delivers souls from the bondage of drugs, alcohol, and sin.

In Christ, 

Sam & Amy Slobodian

December Video Update

Watch this video on Vimeo by either clicking on the following link or by copying and pasting it in your browser:

https://vimeo.com/659016346

Dear Pastors and Friends, 

Warm Christmas greetings from the Slobodians. This month's video
comes from St. Petersburg, Russia where we had the opportunity to
visit brother Oleg who is faithfully serving the Lord in this huge
city of 5.7 million. Since brother Oleg speaks fluent English you
hear directly from him without interpretation.

St. Petersburg has always had a severe shortage of housing and almost
all live in apartments, most of which are small. In this video, we
get a glimpse of a typical 2 room apartment which is a combination
kitchen & bedroom, a hallway, and one other room that serves as a
children's bedroom as well as a small office.

During the Soviet era, 20% of the population lived in communal
apartments where families shared restrooms and kitchens. Today the
situation has improved and only 5% of the population continues to
live in such communal apartments.

In Christ, 

Sam & Amy Slobodian

November Video Update

Watch this video on Vimeo by either clicking on the following link or by copying and pasting it in your browser:

https://vimeo.com/649588174

Dear Pastors and Friends, 

Hello again from the Slobodians! Our video update for the month of November is about our next container shipment to Ukraine. Vitaly Bilyak and Igor Fomichov were on hand to load this container, along with the help of some volunteers. The container is now ready to be shipped from our warehouse. However, we must wait until we receive word that it has been approved as humanitarian aid. More than 60 pages of documents have been submitted by Vitaly. Quite a task! Please pray that the container will receive its certification as humanitarian aid soon.

In Christ, 

Sam & Amy Slobodian

October Video Update

Watch this video on Vimeo by either clicking on the following link or by copying and pasting it in your browser:

https://vimeo.com/639555377

Dear Pastors and Friends, 

Greetings in Christ!  This month's video comes from Desna, Ukraine which is the military city where BIEM has planted a church.  About a year ago Igor Fomichov, who pastors there, started a Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Center as a ministry of the church. God has greatly used this ministry, and already many have been delivered from Drugs and Alcohol through placing their faith in Christ.  

Recently one of these men, Vlad (short for Vladimir) followed the Lord in believer’s baptism.  In this video, you will hear how he came to Christ.  

Currently, there are one dozen men in the program which is housed in a home that has been provided rent-free until this upcoming Spring.  There is a need for a building that could serve as a permanent home for this ministry, on a lot that would be large enough for the men in the program to grow food as well as raise pigs and chickens.  There is a large, unfinished, three-story home, for sale in a spot that would be an excellent location.  Originally the asking price was $65,000 but now it is available for $28,000.  Beyond that, at least another $25,000 will be needed to finish the building just to the point of occupancy.  Please pray that God will supply the funds needed for this purchase.  Any donations toward this would be gratefully appreciated.

In Christ, 

Sam & Amy Slobodian

September Video Update

Watch this video on Vimeo by either clicking on the following link or by copying and pasting it in your browser:

https://vimeo.com/610978886

Dear Pastors and Friends, 

Greetings! We have one more camp video to share with you for this month's video update. This comes from Vitaly Bilyak in Ternopil, Ukraine. The young church there is committed to urban ministry in the large city of Ternopil. Their downtown location provides access to thousands of needy souls in this area of Western Ukraine. This summer, BIEM sponsored 3 different camps that this church conducted. In this video brother Vitaly shares moments from all three of these camps.

In Christ, 

Sam & Amy Slobodian

August 10th Video Update

Watch this video on Vimeo by either clicking on the following link or by copying and pasting it in your browser:

https://vimeo.com/585404173

Dear Pastors and Friends, 

Greetings! Our video update this month of August comes from the military city of Desna, Ukraine where we are hosting a mission team from the United States that has come to help out in summer camps. This week, they have been a huge blessing in the camp at the Desna church after which they will move on to work in one more camp before returning to the United States. During the day, the camp focused on younger children while the evenings were for teenagers.

One of the highlights of this camp was a basketball tournament that had the Americans playing several local Ukrainian teams. That was a big deal in this city. In fact, the mayor of the city came to this event and actually handed out awards to the winning teams as you can see in some of the pictures. Many lost people came to these events and so we praise God for such a great opportunity to share the Gospel.

In Christ, 

Sam & Amy Slobodian

July Video Update

Watch this video on Vimeo by either clicking on the following link or by copying and pasting it in your browser:

https://vimeo.com/580411956

Dear Pastors and Friends, 

Greetings! Our video update this month comes from Smolin, Ukraine where Sasha and Irene Petrenko are planting a church just outside the military base of Goncharovsk. Praise God for the souls being saved there! You will notice that there has been a lot of progress on the new church building since the last time we shared pictures from this location. Right now, they are putting in plumbing. Please pray that they will soon be able to move their services from the tent into the new building.

In Christ, 

Sam & Amy Slobodian

May Video Update

Watch this video on Vimeo by either clicking on the following link or by copying and pasting it in your browser:

https://vimeo.com/559791324

Dear Pastors and Friends, 

We are somewhat late with our May video update, but it is now available. In spite of our spring seminary session taking place during a lockdown, we were still able to have classes and our spring graduation.  Praise God for the opportunity to train Pastors and Christian workers to serve in Ukraine. Using trained and dedicated servants to reach people of their own language and culture is very effective. Thank you for your prayers and partnership!  

In Christ, 

Sam & Amy Slobodian

April Video Update

Watch this video on Vimeo by either clicking on the following link or by copying and pasting it in your browser:

https://vimeo.com/537291996

Dear Pastors and Friends, 

Praise God we were finally able to travel overseas.  This month's video features some young musicians in Kyiv, Ukraine that BIEM has been able to supply with musical instruments.  It is a blessing to be able to bring donated instruments to our brothers and sisters overseas.  Even better to hear them play.  In some cases, Sam has had the chance to play with them like in this video.   If you have any musical instruments you would be interested in donating, please contact us.

In Christ, 

Sam & Amy Slobodian

March Video Update

Watch this video on Vimeo by either clicking on the following link or by copying and pasting it in your browser:

https://vimeo.com/528341983

Dear Pastors and Friends, 

Greetings in Christ!  This month's video comes from Borschiv, Ukraine where brother Sergei and his wife Vika are planting a church in this needy area that has no Bible-believing churches.  Brother Sergei shares the progress being made as they are now working on the attic.  He also shares the wonderful blessing of souls being saved.  About $5,000 is needed to complete the attic you see in the video which will have 5 rooms.  Please pray about this need and help with a gift if you can. 

In Christ, 

Sam & Amy Slobodian

February Video Update

Watch this video on Vimeo by either clicking on the following link or by copying and pasting it in your browser:

https://vimeo.com/528341983

Dear Pastors and Friends, 

Greetings in Christ!  This month's video comes from brother Sasha who, along with his family, serves in a restricted Islamic state.  Despite difficult circumstances, God is blessing their work with the fruit of souls.  When one follows the Lord in believer’s baptism, they can often face hostilities and even mortal danger, frequently from their own relatives.  Praise God for those who take on the name "Christian" and all that goes with it in these needy fields.

In Christ, 

Sam & Amy Slobodian

January Video Update

Watch this video on Vimeo by either clicking on the following link or by copying and pasting it in your browser:

https://vimeo.com/502271812

Dear Pastors and Friends, 

Warm greetings from the Sobodians! Even though it is definitely not warm outside. Especially in Ukraine, which has been hit with a blast of snow and cold as you can see from this month's video.

Praise God for the tremendous progress of the church building being constructed in Smolin Ukraine. As you can see in the video, the frame and exterior walls are nearly complete. Next will be windows, doors, and a roof, although those must wait until there is a break in the weather.

In the meantime, the church continues to meet in the tent even in the cold and snow. Praise God for the wonderful news Sasha shares in the video, of a neighboring family who has begun to attend. Please pray that they will come to Christ.

In Christ, 

Sam & Amy Slobodian

December Video Update

Watch this video on Vimeo by either clicking on the following link or by copying and pasting it in your browser:

https://vimeo.com/483252906

Dear Pastors and Friends, 

Greetings!  For this month's video update we bring you Christmas greetings from several of our Ukrainian church planters via Zoom conference.  With current travel restrictions, we have been doing a lot of Zoom meetings these days.  

Beginning with Eugene, who is our Ukrainian director, each one shares a Christmas greeting, a blessing and a prayer need.  It is truly exciting to hear how God is blessing the evangelistic efforts of these men.  A work for God that you also play an important part in.

We have inserted pictures into the video as the men speak.  There is one picture I would like to call your attention to. When Igor is speaking, one of the pictures shows his family along with his mother and sister.  You may remember that early last year, we shared in our Challenger how his mother came to Christ after 18 years of prayers and efforts of concerned folks around her.  Check out page two of that volume of the Challenger which you can access by clicking on the following link:  

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54e4bb40e4b0743c8b90713b/t/5c4f108c4fa51a7413c003cc/1548685455449/challenger+37-1.pdf

More great news is that now his sister has also come to Christ and is faithfully attending church services and growing in the Lord.  It is such a blessing to see her along with the rest of the family in this picture. 

In Christ, 

Sam & Amy Slobodian